Enlightenment is a fundamental issue in Buddhism, and it is the central concern of Zen as well. This study examines the understanding of enlightenment in the Congrong lu in comparison with the Biyan lu, with some observations made. In regard to the stages of training and the fruits thereof, the Congrong lu does not recognize any significant differences, but the Biyan lu accepts a tentative difference. Therefore, it is important to realize the essence of humanity (the “original face”) in the Congrong lu, and a major feature of that work is its emphasis on living freely without attachment to the concept of enlightenment.
